“Understood. I’ll head there now,” Hannah responded as she made her way toward the imposing structure of the villa.
Trent and Keith moved to follow, but the servant blocked their path.
“Sirs, Master specified he wishes to see only Lady Hannah.”
“What ?”
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Keith began to protest, but Trent interrupted him. He placed a restraining hand on his brother’s arm. “Then we’ll head back. We’ll wait until Hannah’s done talking to Dad.”
With a reluctant nod, Keith allowed Trent to lead him away, his puzzled glance lingering on Hannah’s retreating figure. “Why are we leaving? Shouldn’t we be with Hannah?”
“Obviously, Dad doesn’t want us eavesdropping on their conversation. Let’s not complicate things.”
Hannah stood poised outside the study, her hand raised in a brief moment of hesitation before she knocked.
“Come in,” Wallace’s voice, firm and clear, invited from within.
She entered, finding Wallace not at his desk as usual but on the sofa.
He looked up, his gaze immediately intense, beckoning her to join him with a wave of his hand.
As she settled into her seat, Wallace wasted no time in getting to the point. “I believe it’s time you explain recent events to me.”
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Hannah leaned back, meeting his scrutiny head-on, unflinching. “You would have found out soon enough. Trent and Keith were just doing me a favor by not involving you sooner. Don’t hold this against them.”
Wallace’s imposing presence was palpable, even seated. “You seem quick to take their side. Are you prepared to shoulder their consequences as well?”
A small smile played on Hannah’s lips. “This is my doing. Why drag them into it?”
“Did you consider the ramifications this might have on our family’s ties with the Chadwichs?” Wallace’s voice was low, weighted with implication.
Hannah’s eyebrows arched defiantly. “I’ve considered it. But frankly, I don’t care. Amelie has crossed me one too many times. Naturally, I’m not inclined to show mercy after her first assault, yet I’ve held back. I’ve spared her again and again. Why do you think that is, Dad?”
Her index was now tapping on the armrest.
Wallace’s expression darkened, a storm gathering in his eyes. “If you’re in trouble, you should have come to me. There’s no need to handle everything yourself.”
The corner of Hannah’s mouth twitched as her smile faded. “And if I had come to you, would you have risked our relationship with the Chadwich family for my sake?”
She shook her head slowly, her voice tinged with bitterness. “No, you wouldn’t have. You let it slide at Remington’s villa.”
Wallace stared at her for a moment. In his eyes, Hannah was a capable yet impulsive young woman.
As for her accusation, the expression on his face barely changed.
“Strategic patience, Hannah. We strike hard when the moment is ripe, so that we get it done once and for all. You’re impulsive, young. Yes, we’ve gained ground with the orphanage and Jade Paradise, but now you’re at open war with the Chadwichs.”